Getting around Madrid is becoming increasingly convenient thanks to new payment methods available on public transport. Bank cards, whether physical or stored on a mobile phone or smartwatch, can be used to pay for certain tickets without carrying cash or purchasing a separate transport card in advance. This option is already available on the Empresa Municipal de Transportes (EMT) city buses, has been extended to intercity buses throughout the Community of Madrid and, since June 2026, also allows passengers to access Metro de Madrid directly.
Metro de Madrid: direct access with a bank card
Since 1 June 2026, passengers have been able to pay for a single Metro ticket directly at the gates using a physical or digital credit or debit card, including cards stored on a mobile phone or smartwatch with contactless technology. The system has been installed on 1,249 devices across the network, with the aim of speeding up access, reducing waiting times and preventing overcrowding at stations, particularly during peak periods.
To use it, passengers simply tap their card or device on the designated reader. There is no need to purchase a ticket from a vending machine beforehand or to have a Public Transport Card for that journey. In its initial phase, this payment method is available for single tickets and is compatible with the usual transport passes, which remain available to regular passengers.
EMT city buses: contactless payment on board
Madrid’s city buses also allow passengers to pay for a single ticket using a contactless bank card or a compatible mobile device. EMT began introducing this payment method in 2019 to make boarding easier, reduce the need for cash and speed up the payment process. Since then, electronic payments have become part of the city’s public transport offering.
This option is particularly convenient for occasional bus users and visitors who do not have a transport card for regular travel.
Intercity buses: bank card payments across the region
Since 1 July 2025, bank card payments have been available across the entire intercity bus network of the Community of Madrid. Passengers can pay for single tickets using a physical bank card or its digital version on a compatible mobile phone or other device. This measure makes boarding easier and helps reduce waiting times.
This payment method is available alongside existing options, such as the Public Transport Card, multi-journey tickets and cash, subject to the conditions of each service.
Towards a more integrated payment system
The digital transformation of Madrid’s public transport network is continuing. The Community of Madrid is working on a smart payment system based on Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) technology, which will automatically calculate the most advantageous fare according to the journeys made.
The project envisages the use of bank cards, mobile phones and other digital devices to access the Metro, buses and Cercanías commuter rail services without the need for a traditional physical card. According to information published by the Madrid Regional Transport Consortium in May 2026, the system is scheduled to come into operation in the last quarter of 2027.
These improvements aim to provide a faster and more flexible travel experience, adapted to the needs of both regular and occasional public transport users.
Further Information and Official Sources
For details on how to use these payment methods, available tickets and the latest developments, please consult the following official sources:
- Metro de Madrid: pago directo con tarjeta bancaria en los tornos
- EMT Madrid: pago con tarjeta bancaria y móvil en los autobuses
- Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid: extensión del pago con tarjeta a los autobuses interurbanos
- La Comunidad de Madrid extiende el sistema de pago con tarjeta bancaria a toda la red de autobuses interurbanos de la región
